Magellan Echo Fit Smart Sports Watch Featured at International CES

5 January, 2015 – Las Vegas, NV – Magellan, a leader of innovative GPS devices and content services for vehicles, fitness, outdoor, and mobile navigation, is featuring its Echo Fit Smart Sports Watch at International CES. The Echo Fit is the latest addition to the company's highly popular Echo Series. It is built rugged and water resistant to handle the demands of virtually any sport or physical activity. Echo Fit utilizes smartphone sports apps to their full potential by wirelessly sending real-time sports data to the user's wrist; serves as a remote control for sports apps and music; and adds activity and sleep tracking, smartphone alerts and the advanced Magellan Active app to make syncing and storing data easy.

The Magellan Echo Fit Smart Sports Watch will be highlighted in the company's booth (LVCC, South Hall 2 - MP25441) during International CES.

"As the latest addition to our Echo Series, the Echo Fit adds activity and sleep-tracking capabilities while continuing to solve the biggest problem of participating in a sport or exercise with a smartphone -- conveniently viewing and controlling sports apps without interrupting the game or workout," remarked Stig Pedersen, Magellan associate vice president of product management. "With the phone safely tucked away, Echo Fit becomes a powerful display, acts as a remote control, and saves smartphone battery life. No matter the sport or the activity, Echo Fit can meet the unique needs of each individual."

Smartphone ExtensionEcho Fit is an extension of a smartphone, simultaneously displaying sports data, notifications, and achievements that are normally shown on the smartphone display. Using embedded Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly connect with a smartphone, Echo Fit shows elapsed time, distances, and other metrics on its display. Echo Fit gives users control over a variety of smartphone functions, including start, stop, or lap on sports apps; and next song, play, and pause on music streams or playlists.

Along with the release of the Magellan Active App in Q1, Echo Fit will have the capability to display notifications of incoming text, phone calls, and emails when paired with a smartphone. Third party app (e.g., Facebook, Skype, etc.) notifications will also be visible, allowing users to stay connected, even when working out or taking part in their favorite sport or activity.

Magellan Echo Utility AppWith the free Magellan Echo Utility app, available at the Google Play and iTunes stores, Echo Fit users can view all of their steps, distance covered, calories burnt, and sleep activities along with a seven-day rolling average. For step tracking, there is an alert notification that sounds when the daily goal is met. The Echo Utility app can also remotely set the Echo Fit's alarm.

Magellan Active App - Q1 2015The advanced Magellan Active app will be available during first quarter 2015 on iTunes and Google Play as an update to the Magellan Echo Utility app. Once the Magellan Active app has been synced to the Echo Fit, users can wirelessly receive and store the activity and sleep data that has been collected. Data can then be uploaded to Magellan's Active website and shared.

Compatible AppsWhether it's running, hiking, cycling, golfing, or some other sports activity, Echo Fit's deep integration with apps makes it customizable to meet the unique needs of each user. Some of the current compatible apps include: AllTrails, Golf Pad, iMobileIntervals, iSmoothRun Pro, Jog Note, MapMyFitness, MapMyHike, MapMyRide, MapMyRun, MayMyWalk, Men's Health Personal Fitness Trainer, RunKeeper, Strava, Wahoo Fitness, and WeiBike. More are being added on a regular basis. (Not all apps are available for Android smartphones.)

Additional Features

Open app platform - Echo Fit works with today's sports apps as well as tomorrow's

Smartphone compatibility - works with iPhone 4S or later, and select Android devices 4.4 or later (check with carrier for specific smartphone compatibility)

Replaceable coin cell battery - never needs to be charged; lasts up to 8 months

Invertible screen - screen background and characters can be inversed from black to gray

And It Tells TimesAs its name implies, the Magellan Echo Fit Smart Sports Watch also tells and keeps time. With its sleek design and stylish colors, it makes the perfect watch for tech savvy athletes and fitness buffs.

Pricing and AvailabilityThe Echo Fit Smart Sports Watch is available at retailers nationwide, including Clever Training, Eastern Mountain Sports, Sports Authority, and REI, as well as online at megellangps.com and Amazon.com. It has an MSRP of $129.99 or $179.99 with Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Monitor. It is available in trendy black, blue, pink, and gray.